Ganeshotsav 2023: How idol makers and Mumbaikars are navigating challenges on the journey to embrace the eco-friendly Lord Ganesha idols

As Ganeshotsav approaches, people are eagerly preparing to welcome Ganpati Bappa into their homes. The city is adorning itself in anticipation of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with grandeur and enthusiasm.

The 11-day festival is scheduled to commence on September 19 this year.

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As Ganeshotsav arrives, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has renewed its efforts to implement the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) ban on Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. All the idols of Lord Ganesha, which are up to four feet, will mandatorily have to be ‘eco-friendly,' the BMC had announced earlier.

According to the guidelines, household Ganesha idols should not exceed four feet in height and should be crafted using shadu clay or other eco-friendly alternatives. In May 2020, the CPCB issued guidelines banning PoP idols due to their significant contribution to water pollution.

This year, the BMC will double the number of artificial lakes compared to last year for immersion of Ganesh idols. The BMC won't allow immersion of PoP idols, less than four feet in height, into natural water bodies and hence, around eight to 10 artificial lakes will be made available in each ward.

The state government had permitted relaxation twice -- first, owing to the Covid lockdown, and second, after mandals sought more time to switch to eco-friendly alternatives.

Also read: Mumbai: In eco setback, no action against PoP Ganpati idols

The restrictions imposed by the civic body on Lord Ganesha idols made of PoP have become a contentious issue.

Positive response

Famous Girgaon-based sculptor, Pradeep Maduskar of R.V. Maduskar Arts, said he received more orders this year and people are opting for more eco-friendly idols.

"There is awareness to opt for eco-friendly alternatives. This year we have seen a rise in demand for shadu clay idols. Last year, we made 1,200 shadu clay idols and this year we made around 1,300 to 1,400 shadu clay idols," he informed.

Shedding light on why there is a rise in the sale of PoP idols, Maduskar said, "People mainly opt for PoP idols because of cost. The PoP idols are cheaper than shadu clay idols. In the last few years, due to the rise in inflation and price rise, people opted for cheaper options and hence the rise in demand for PoP idols."

Girgaon-based resident Milind Vanarse, who brings shadu idol is all for PoP ban. "I agree the PoP idols are lighter on the wallet as opposed to expensive clay idols. But, there are other eco-friendly options too, like alum, mud, paper mache, etc. These are certainly not that expensive. If we act today, we can make a bigger difference tomorrow. The move is not just for the environment today, it is also for the future. Every individual needs to take responsibility," Milind asserted.

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Key challenges

Echoing similar sentiments, a PoP idol maker from Lalbaug, who wished not to be named, said the restrictions on PoP idols have pros and cons. "While PoP idols are lightweight and easy to carry, shadu clay idols are heavy and fragile. Even cost-wise there is a huge gap, while PoP idols are cheaper in rate and shadu clay idols are costlier. There is a difference of at least Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000. People nowadays want cheaper options and thus go for PoP idols," he shared.

However, restrictions on PoP idols have affected his business. "People have become more environmentally conscious and are opting for shadu clay idols. Every year I sell around 200 to 250 idols, but this year I only sold 150 idols," he added.

The PoP idol maker from Lalbaug further said restrictions on PoP idols should be for everyone, sans height restrictions.

Sunil Panchal, of Shree Ganesh Chitra Shala in Lalbaug, said they sold the same number of PoP idols as last year.

"No one has cancelled any order this year. Last year, I made 300 PoP idols and 100 shadu clay idols. This year too the number is the same," Panchal said.

Panchal, who has been working in this industry for 13 years, also said the raw PoP idols are brought from Pen in Raigad district. "We bring raw PoP idols from Pen. We paint and decorate them here," he added.

Explaining why idol makers opt for PoP idols, Panchal said, "Over 50 PoP idols can be made in a day as compared to just five clay idols. This is a big difference."

He doesn't want PoP idols to be banned. "PoP also dissolves in water. Yes, certain things don't, but BMC authorities can collect those items and dump them at a safe spot," Panchal mentioned.

Even Mahesh from Sai Ganesh Chitra Shala in Lalbaug said that business was as usual. "There was no decline in business this year, but there is no growth, too. Last year I made 200 shadu clay idols, this is also the same," he said.

Speaking about restrictions on PoP idols, Mahesh said, "There should be restrictions on PoP idols, but who will make those many shadu clay idols? Nowadays it's difficult to find workers and artisans who will be ready to make shadu clay idols."